Akash Deep produced one of the most remarkable knocks of the series, scoring a composed 66 as a nightwatchman and etching his name alongside legends like Imran Khan and Shane Warne in cricket’s rarest company. Coming in late on Day 2 to shield the top order after a quick wicket, Deep’s task was expected to be brief survival. Instead, he turned it into a statement innings that altered the balance of the match and added a new chapter to the art of nightwatchmanship.
Walking in under pressure, Deep started watchfully against England’s seam attack under overcast skies. What followed was a display of calm temperament mixed with calculated counterattacking. He weathered the early swing and then began to find gaps, driving and cutting with increasing confidence. His fifty came off just 70 balls, peppered with authoritative boundaries, showcasing a level of batting assurance few expect from a bowler sent to protect the order.
Deep’s innings was built on a crucial 100-plus stand with Yashasvi Jaiswal, who played the aggressor while Deep anchored at the other end. The partnership blunted England’s morning plans, forced field changes, and allowed India to extend their lead at a vital juncture. By the time he fell for 66, the impact of his innings was already clear: India had moved from a vulnerable position to a commanding one, with the lower order refusing to give ground.
What made the knock historic was not just the runs but the context. Only a handful of nightwatchmen in Test history have crossed fifty while also making a decisive impact on the match. In doing so, Deep joined an elite club that includes Shane Warne and Imran Khan, both of whom turned defensive assignments into match-shaping contributions. For India, it was the first such performance from a nightwatchman in England since 2011, underlining its rarity.
The innings drew animated reactions from teammates and fans alike. The Indian dressing room erupted as Deep raised his bat, and even the usually reserved coaching staff allowed smiles to break through the tension. It was not just a lower-order contribution; it was a defining moment in the Test that highlighted grit, adaptability, and the value of every wicket in a series decider.
Beyond the numbers, the knock underlined the changing role of a nightwatchman. Traditionally a defensive tactic to protect the top order, Deep showed how it can be transformed into an opportunity to wrest control of a match. His ability to absorb pressure and then counterattack gave India breathing space and momentum at a crucial time, setting the tone for the innings that followed.
For Akash Deep, the 66 will stand as more than a personal milestone. It was a performance that combined resilience with flair and put him in the conversation with some of cricket’s most celebrated lower-order innings. In a series filled with records and standout performances, this gritty knock ensured his name would be remembered as part of its defining moments.